Trump Delays Iran Strike for Gulf-Led Talks as Saudi Arabia Backs 14-Point Proposal
Updated
Updated · Haaretz · May 20
Trump Delays Iran Strike for Gulf-Led Talks as Saudi Arabia Backs 14-Point Proposal
8 articles · Updated · Haaretz · May 20
Trump said the U.S. is in “no hurry” to attack Iran and will “give this one shot,” after Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar asked him to postpone a planned strike.
Tehran said message exchanges with Washington are continuing around its 14-point proposal, with Pakistan’s interior minister in Iran to help facilitate the contacts.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan publicly welcomed Trump’s decision to give diplomacy more time, framing it as a path to end the war and restore security in the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump still left open military escalation, saying the U.S. may have to hit Iran “even harder, but maybe not,” underscoring that negotiations are proceeding under the threat of force.
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Gulf Diplomacy Delays U.S. Strike on Iran: Fragile Ceasefire, Soaring Oil Prices, and the Battle for the Strait of Hormuz
Overview
On May 19, 2026, President Donald Trump delayed a planned U.S. military strike against Iran after urgent intervention from Gulf leaders, opening a fragile window for diplomacy. This decision was shaped by growing pressure on Trump to avoid further attacks, as experts warned there were no good military options and that a failed operation could draw major criticism. The pause in military action created a temporary de-escalation and the possibility of a new nuclear deal, but the situation remains tense, with both sides preparing for either renewed conflict or diplomatic progress.